Christina Hendricks talks about Mad Men, her rapport with co-star Jon Hamm and learning on the sets
What makes Joan’s point of view uniqueIJ
She has been a working woman for 11 years now and has seen a lot of changes . She has watched Peggy break down barriers and struggling with herself and she is also a mother. So we get to see all sorts of different things that she is going through.
How has being a single mother affected Joan’s careerIJ
I think she is a lot more exhausted than she used to be and of course we saw, in the last season, some fun stuff with her mother helping her out. So she has got that mother there, which is great.
How would you describe the dynamic between Joan and DonIJ
We haven’t seen many scenes with Don and Joan, but they’re really special because these people have a history together, there is a mutual respect and they understand one another. You get glimpses into how they treat each other in the workplace and it’s sort of a rare little treat, but I love it when I get to work with Jon because those scenes are fun.
How do you feel about Joan’s use of sexuality in the agencyIJ
She realises that there is a lot of power in that, it can influence people very much and I think that Joan is very good in using all her techniques and gifts that she has — her intellect and appearance in order to get what she wants. I think she does it in maybe a little bit more of an obvious way.
What do you admire most about JoanIJ
I admire Joan’s ability to bounce back from bad situations and pull herself up again and hold her head high and remain confident and proud.
Is there anything you do not like about herIJ
She can be mean. I think less so now, but I certainly think in the first season or two, you see her sort of giving advice to some of the girls and it could be a bit harsh, I would say.
Does the 1960s wardrobe help you get into characterIJ
I think actors use costume as an incredible tool including hair and makeup. It really puts you in a very specific place quickly and Janie Bryant does extraordinary costume design. It’s really fun because some of it is actually vintage or a found piece or she has designed a piece specifically for the character. It’s nice because from the very beginning we had a specific idea of what Joan would wear and we both agreed on it.
What makes Mad Men appealing to international audiencesIJ
I think it’s the writing. It’s extraordinary, sophisticated, intelligent writing and you can’t beat that. Then you get to put it in this incredibly stylish package with these great costumes and a beautiful environment. It’s also a bit naughty where people are smoking and drinking a bit too much. It’s such an interesting package.
Has being on Mad Men made you a better actorIJ
I think I learn every single day and when you get to work with material as good and challenging as this, it really pushes you to use all of your ability that you can and to work with these actors everyday makes me want to be a better actress. Just watching them make choices and decisions stun me.